11 April 2012

Big things are happening!

The last week has really been productive over at the Pickup homestead.  First, we passed the building and electrical inspections.  (YES!!!)


Once those inspections were complete, we had the insulation company come do their thing, and we were ready for drywall.
Insulation is an interesting process to watch.  Different walls have different needs, and so there is a variety of insulating materials in the house.  Hopefully it will mean a snug and warm, energy-efficient space.


The main part of the house is filled with wet-sprayed cellulose, made from recycled paper.  Above the walls where the vaulted ceiling is, there are R-30 fiberglass batts backed with plastic.

Every hole was filled with spray foam.


Downstairs, the rim joists were sprayed with foam, and the skinny walls with foam boards.  The rest of the basement has fiberglass batts.


While the house was insulated, our well was drilled, and the water pump installed.  Once those were complete, we also added a drain for our water-source heat pump.  Mr. Pickup was able to use our friend's backhoe to dig the trench and pit.


The water-source heat pump is a geothermal heat pump which uses water from our well, and then sends it through the drain and pit back to the aquifer.  Pretty neat, and a great way to heat and cool our house.


There is 10 yards of rock in the pit to help the water drain quickly.


While we've been working outside, the dry wall has been going up quickly.  It changes how the house feels so much.  Monday the drywall was delivered, and the bedrooms and hall were hung.



Yesterday, they finished most of the rest of the house, and today they'll finish up the garage.


I'm so glad we didn't have to hang the drywall on that vaulted ceiling!  The pantry turned out nice, I think.


Here's the entry and part of the closet.


So that's my update.  By next weekend, we'll be able to begin my favorite part...making the house look like a home.  We'll begin installing the finish work, including casings, baseboard and closet shelving.  Then comes paint, and cabinets, floors, and lights and plumbing...oh, and the siding outside too.  The finish line is almost in view.  

12 comments:

  1. How fun!! It looks like its moving right along! That water pump stuff sounds really interesting. That's cool!

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  2. Wow!! A lot has happened in a week. It is looking so good. Your pantry looks wonderful! I hope my next house has something like that.

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  3. Wow!! You are sprinting towards the finish!! "Hopefully it will mean a snug and warm, energy-efficient space."

    I wish my house had those characteristics.

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  4. Yay for passing inspections! It's really starting to look like a home now, Chris. Can't wait to see what's next!

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  5. How awesome. Drywall makes such a difference...home stretch!

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  6. Oh, how exciting... you're nearing the finish line! Won't be long now before you're ready to move in!!!!

    :)

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  7. WOW! It's changed a lot since I've been there in three days! It looks amazing!

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  8. Things are moving right along. Exciting! Just in time for my favorite season:) And the best part is you have this all documented with photos so you can look back anytime and see how far you've come.

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  9. how exciting, the vaulted ceiling and pantry look great. I have read about geothermal heating, what a great route to take. We read Virgina Lee Burton's The Little House at storytime last evening so I thought of you.

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  10. Holy mackerel, things are really moving now. How great that the insulation and drywall are installed. Oh it's looking great Chris. You must be so pleased!

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  11. wow! it's amazing to be able to watch your home come together! It looks lovely and it's not even finished yet!

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  12. Oh wow it is coming along! The installation really will make a difference. So glad you guys hired out the drywall, that's a hard job. The taping and mudding is messy. Can't wait to see more progress, you guys are moving so fas now, I bet your kids are super excited, I know I am and it isn't even my house lol

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How sweet of you to stop by. Kind words are always welcome.